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Nepal Photo Workshop
April 12th - 21st 2027
Photograph the extraordinary New Year celebrations of Bisket Jatra, before journeying into the timeless villages and high-altitude desert of Lower Mustang.
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Nepal is a country of extraordinary contrast, where ancient cities, rich culture and dramatic Himalayan landscapes come together. Timed with Bisket Jatra, its vibrant New Year festival of towering chariots and age-old rituals, this workshop combines lively cultural celebrations with the remote villages and rugged valleys of Lower Mustang.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu
Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, we transfer to our hotel near Boudhanath and settle in after the journey.
In the late afternoon, we head to Boudhanath Stupa for our first photography session, capturing the changing light, prayer flags, monks and pilgrims as golden hour fades into twilight.
Day 2: Thimphu
We start the day with sunrise at Boudhanath Stupa, before heading to Pashupatinath Temple, one of Nepal’s most important Hindu sites, where we’ll spend the morning exploring the temple complex and surrounding ghats.
In the afternoon, we travel to Bhaktapur for the opening celebrations of Bisket Jatra, experiencing the energy, crowds and centuries-old traditions of Nepal’s New Year festival.
Day 3: Punakha
We begin the morning exploring Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the historic heart of the old city, before continuing to Pottery Square, where traditional clay pots are still shaped and dried in the open courtyards.
In the afternoon, we return to Bisket Jatra for the festival’s main events, as huge crowds gather around the towering chariots and the streets fill with energy.
Day 4: Journey to Laya
We start early in Thimi, an old Newar town, for Sindoor Jatra, a lively New Year celebration where the streets fill with processions, music and clouds of bright orange vermilion powder.
From here, we continue to Changu Narayan Temple, one of the oldest Hindu temple sites in the Kathmandu Valley, before ending the day at Patan Durbar Square in the soft evening light.
Day 5: Royal Highland Festival
The morning is spent exploring Khokana, a traditional Newari village of old brick houses, quiet lanes and everyday village life.
After lunch, we return to Kathmandu to prepare for the next stage of the workshop, swapping the valley for the rugged mountain landscapes of Lower Mustang.
Day 6: Laya + Gasa Village
A short flight takes us to Pokhara, where we continue by road through the spectacular Kali Gandaki Gorge and deeper into the mountains towards Marpha.
After arriving, we spend the evening exploring the village, known for its traditional stone houses, narrow lanes and apple orchards.
Day 7: Gasa → Punakha
Early light in Marpha gives us time to photograph the village at its best before continuing deeper into Lower Mustang.
The road to Muktinath is a highlight in itself, winding through huge valleys, layered cliffs and vast Himalayan scenery, with plenty of stops along the way to photograph the changing landscape.
Day 8: Punakha + Paro
The day begins at Muktinath Temple, one of Nepal’s most sacred pilgrimage sites, before we descend towards the medieval village of Kagbeni.
The afternoon is spent exploring its narrow lanes, monasteries and traditional homes, finishing with a golden-hour photography session as the light falls across the village and surrounding mountains.
Day 9: Tiger’s Nest
Before leaving Kagbeni, we spend the morning focusing on the wider landscape around the village, where the Kali Gandaki riverbed, eroded cliffs and mountain backdrop create a completely different set of images.
We then drive back through the Kali Gandaki Valley to Pokhara, finishing the day around Phewa Lake as the evening light settles over the water and surrounding hills.
Day 10: Departure
An early start takes us to Sarangkot for sunrise, with sweeping views across the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges as the first light hits the mountains.
Afterwards, we return to Pokhara for our flight back to Kathmandu, before transferring to the airport for your onward journey.
Pricing
Total price: $5,500 $5,000 USD
Payable today: $1,000 deposit to secure your spot
Remainder payable: 5 x monthly installments
Total number of participants: 8
“To be honest I had very high expectations of this workshop and, well, those expectations were well and truly smashed!”
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9 nights of accommodation in carefully selected 3* & 4* hotels (including 2 nights camping in Laya), twin sharing, with single occupancy available on request.
All on-ground transportation (private bus with driver, pick-up truck for Gasa-Laya-Gasa, luggage vehicle for entire trip, horse to carry bags for RHF).
Sustainable Development Fee for 9 nights.
Bhutan visa.
All meals, non-alcoholic drinks with meals, and bottled water throughout the trip.
Snacks for the road to keep you fueled during long shooting days.
All entrance fees and gratuities for locals when photographing them.
Dedicated local guides and fixer for the entire journey.
Editing workshops with Jord, covering beginner to advanced post-processing techniques.
Photography lessons in the field, focused on storytelling, composition, and technique.
Photo review sessions to refine your work and elevate your creative vision.
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Your flights to and from Bhutan (these can be arranged through our local partner)
Travel insurance
Alcoholic beverages
Personal expenses
Who is this workshop for?
This photography trip is limited to just 10 participants, allowing me to give each of you my full attention and help you get the most out of the experience. The small group size means I can work closely with everyone - whether you’re just starting out, looking to refine your craft, or already shooting professionally. It’s a chance to learn, create, and grow in a supportive environment while photographing one of the most extraordinary countries on earth.
Photographers love Jord's workshops: see for yourself…
What gear should you bring?
Camera
A couple of lenses to cover bases between 16-200mm
Laptop for editing sessions
Altitude + Fitness
Bhutan’s altitude ranges from 1,200m in Punakha up to nearly 4,000m in Laya, so expect some thinner air in higher regions.
The hike to Laya and the Tiger’s Nest climb both require moderate fitness, with steady uphill sections and uneven trails. No technical hiking experience is needed, just good health, comfortable walking shoes, and a sense of adventure.
A detailed packing list will be sent ahead of the trip, covering everything from clothing layers and hiking gear to camera recommendations, so you’ll know exactly what to bring.
FAQs
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All international flights arrive at Paro International Airport (PBH). You can fly in via Bangkok, India, Kathmandu, or Singapore, depending on your location. Once you land, everything is taken care of from start to finish - and if you need help arranging flights, we can assist with recommendations and booking guidance.
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Yes - comprehensive travel insurance is required for all participants. It must include medical coverage and emergency evacuation due to the altitude and remoteness of some areas.
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October is one of the best times to visit Bhutan. so you can expect clear skies and mild temperatures, averaging between 10°C and 25°C. The sun can be strong at altitude, so sunscreen and a hat are essential. It can drop close to freezing in Laya, so pack a few warm layers for the higher regions.
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Drone permits are extremely limited and difficult to obtain, so please plan to leave drones at home.
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Absolutely. Many guests join solo. You’ll share a twin room with another participant unless you’d prefer a single room (available for an additional supplement).
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This trip is limited to 10 participants, keeping the group small and personal so everyone gets plenty of shooting time and guidance.
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A $1,000 deposit secures your spot and is non-refundable. The remaining balance can be paid in instalments.
For more info, take a look at the full refund policy here →
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Once your deposit is paid, you’ll receive a welcome email with all the details you need, including packing lists, gear suggestions, and arrival information.
A WhatsApp group will also be created about a month before the trip so everyone can connect, ask questions, and get updates before we set off.
“Great group, great locations, great photos, beautifully organised. 10/10!”
Hey, I’m Jord
I’m a full-time travel and landscape photographer from the UK, and I’ve been leading photography workshops around the world for several years.
I first started talking with a local tour company about visiting Bhutan back in 2017, and after years of planning, we finally made it happen just a couple of weeks ago. Within two days of arriving, I knew I wanted to host a trip there… the country’s deep-rooted spirituality, dramatic mountain landscapes, and quiet pace of life make it one of the most inspiring places I’ve ever photographed.
From the chanting halls of hilltop monasteries to remote highland festivals surrounded by the Himalayas, Bhutan feels timeless - a place where faith, nature, and daily life exist in perfect balance. I can’t wait to share this dream destination with you and help you experience the magic of Bhutan through your own lens.
